By Matt Stefano
Friday night marked game No. 100 for Soo Thunderbirds overage forward Nathan Hebert as the T-Birds were in Elliot Lake to take on the Wildcats. It also marked the debut of defenseman Mike Caruso, who was acquired in a trade with the Yarmouth Mariners while goaltender Mario Culina, who was reassigned from the Windsor Spitfires, served as a backup to Nathan Warren.
The T-Birds picked up their 18th victory in their 20th game of the season as they defeated the Elliot Lake Wildcats 5-2 at Centennial Arena.
Matt Caruso and Nathan Hebert led the way with a goal and an assist for the T-Birds while Matt Mitchell, Izaak Del Mastro and Brett Jeffries had the other goals for the Soo. Aiden Salerno, Brandon Grandinetti, Matt Pinder, Zach Senecal, Mark Tassone, Darian Pilon, Drake Pilon and Joey Miller all recorded an assist each.
T-Birds goaltender Nathan Warren made 20 saves for the victory.
Spencer MacLean led they way for the Wildcats with a goal and an assist while Chad Lopez also scored once. Drew Stirling had one assist on the night while Wildcats goaltender Al Rogers gave up 5 goals on 47 shots.
Next action for the T-Birds is Saturday, November 21st in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan against the Soo Eagles. Game time is 7:00 p.m. from the Pullar Stadium.
NOTE: The deadline to bid on the T-Birds pink jerseys is next Wednesday, and they are being auctioned right now on the Soo Thunderbirds Facebook page.
